10 Tips to Increase Your Happiness & Well-Being with Sharene Garaman

Born and raised in Jackson Hole Sharene Garaman, Psy. D., has been a practicing psychotherapist for over 25 years. Here, in her own words, is what she does.

I practice positive psychology. I was trained very conservatively from the standard medical model that focuses on the illness. People would be referred to as their diagnosis. I understood that, but felt it was diminishing to the individual as a whole. Also, I think the standard model doesn’t give people enough hope. They come in feeling broken and the focus is on what’s wrong. In positive psychology, I offer them all of the things they are doing right. My north stars are well-being and quality of life, those are the things we’re always working towards improving.

I think everyone can benefit from positive psychology, but those who could benefit the most are the ones who are the most leery and may be the most damaged and untrusting. They come in thinking they are going to be judged and that is not at all what this is about. This is a safe place to explore how to have a better life. And it’s never a one-size-fits-all approach. I like to think a lot of my clients have fun in here. This is not drudgery.

10 Tips to Increase Your Happiness & Well-Being

1. Happiness is a skill that can be learned. As happiness increases, so does well-being.

2. Find your tribe! Community & social connections are the single most important factor in well-being and longevity.

3. Exercise regularly and break a sweat.

4. Spend time in nature every day.

5. Develop emotional resilience. It is much easier to develop a routine for meditation or mindfulness on a daily basis when you’re not in crisis than when a crisis hits.